I went to my first GP at Silverstone last year – here are a few tips I think are essential:
– With a grandstand ticket, you can sit wherever you want on the Saturday – even right on the start/finish line. The key is to get to the circuit as early as possible. We got there last year at around 7.45am and managed to get a great spot overlooking the pit straight and first corner – although I think this year we’ll aim to get there even earlier.
– Buy a ticket lanyard (on eBay you can get them for about £2.99 including P&P). You have to show your ticket every time you enter a stand on the Saturday and Sunday so, rather than hunting through your wallet every time, it’s best just to have a lanyard around your neck you can quickly flash at the steward.
– Buy a cheap AM/FM radio. You have literally no chance of hearing the commentary through the PA system so buy a cheap AM/FM radio and tune into Silverstone radio at circuit to get commentary on each and every session. Also, as with all major sporting events, the mobile data networks become completely overloaded and slow to a snail’s pace so (unfortunately) you can’t rely on F1 Fanatic or Twitter for text updates!
– Bring clothing for every weather situation. We could’ve done with gloves and scarves during Friday practice last year but were fine in just a T-shirt on race day!
– Use the free park & ride service offered by the circuit. We found it to be excellent on the Saturday and Sunday morning – although I think it’s inevitable that there’s going to be long delays after the race on Sunday. You can park at the circuit for free on the Friday.